It is another year of Inter-School Sports for all IHM Schools which was held from 15th – 19th March, 2016 at Cor Mariae Girls’ Secondary School Playground Nkpor-Agu, Anambra State, Nigeria. It was the fourth of its kind.

The celebration started with an opening Holy Mass officiated by Most Rev. Denis Chidi Isizor, the Auxiliary bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese at the Novitiate Chapel, Nkpor. Fr. Samuel Nwadike the Chaplain of IHM Complex Nkpor concelebrated with him. The IHM Central Administration Team, the Student Participants of IHM Schools, their Principals and Teachers and Sisters were present. One of the highlights of the events is the Presence of some IHM Ghanaian students led by Sr. Maria Uzoamaka Ezeabasilim who is on mission in Ghana.

After, the Opening Ceremony and lightening of the Sports Light followed suit at the Cor Mariae Girls’ Secondary School Playground. One of the School Bands present led in the National Anthem and Pledge, the Papal and Congregational Anthems. The Students of Immaculata Girls’ Model Sec. School, Nnewi presented an Indian dance. Then followed a March Past by all the Secondary Schools and track events. Other sporting games were done at interval through Tuesday, the 17th March.

Wednesday, the 18th March marked the Grand Finale of the School sports. Fr. Nwadike and Fr. Samuel Agudosi of the St John Bosco Institute of Technology, Obosi concelebrated the closing Holy Mass. Fr. Agudosi in his homily exhorted the students to see competition as striving together rather than a rivalry. He said that Sports is a trans-cultural act where we manifest the glory of God when we play. “It is a time to socialize and enjoy the fruit of friendship and sharing together”, he said. He concluded by telling the students that their lives could testify to the world that they can do it without sinning.

Sr. Mary Jerome Obiorah, IHM, Councillor In-Charge of Education in her welcome address said that among other things, the Inter-School Sports brings all together as a family. Though competitive, it is “… a strategy for physical, psychological, emotional and general extra-curricular development for the Students and pupils.” Sr. Mary Janice Ononiba, IHM – the Sports Co-ordinator presented the welcome address.

Activities continued after all the opening protocols: Match Past, 100, 200 and I500 meter races, relay races, three legged race, sack race, egg race, Teachers, Sisters and Parents races. IHM Primary Schools joined in the events of the day and the Invited Schools also participated in some of the races.

While Mother Mary Claude Oguh, IHM, the Superior General received Salute from Schools with the Vicar, Sr. Mary Agnita Maduka and Sr. Mary Raphael Okeke, the Education Advisory Council Chairman, she did the same on the last day with Sr. Maria Philipine Osei-Wusu, Councillor, replacing Sr. Maduka.

At the end of the events, the Superior General handed trophies and prizes to the winners of the day. Students of Cor Mariae Girls’ Secondary School, Nkpor came first overall, Charles Heerey Memorial Secondary School was second and Cor Mariae Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Umungazi Aba took the overall third position.

The Governor of the State, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano was ably represented and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta, was present for the events of the day. Mrs. Maria Amaechi Agbaeze and Mrs. Josephine Uzoego were mothers of the day. Mr. Dozie Oknonkwo, the Chairman of the day encouraged the students and pupils in different ways.

The event was successful and another source of upliftment for IHM Pupils and Students.